As of April 1, our 4-H program is fully staffed again. Courtney Clemons will take over the role of 4-H Program Assistant at that time. Courtney will be replacing Hannah Worrell who was promoted to 4-H agent after the retirement of Denise Sherrill. We are excited to have Courtney as part of the N.C. Cooperative Extension of Henderson County team.

Courtney completed her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at NC State University in 2018 graduating as the valedictorian of her class. She continued her education by completing her master’s degree in Animal Science in May of last year. She comes to Henderson County from Shelby, NC.

“Throughout high school and my collegiate studies, I have developed a sincere passion for agricultural extension and youth development” Clemons state in her cover letter. “My experience coupled with an enthusiasm for education and outreach has me well-equipped to manage 4-H programs and actively engage with the community.

“My interest began as a high school student in FFA, where I experienced firsthand the positive impact and importance of youth enrichment programs. I continued developing a solid foundation for organizing and leading youth enrichment activities through working extensively with 500 children and youth during my summer service trips to Guatemala. While there, I also helped coordinate food sustainability operations that aided 300 families seeking nutritional assistance.”

Clemons has a strong background in working with youth as well as her educational experience working with animals. She will be a great asset to our 4-H program. As the 4-H program assistant, she will assist with 4-H programs, clubs, and special projects. Some of the special projects that have been a mainstay of Henderson County 4-H are the FRESH program at the Carl Sandburg Historical site working with the goats as well as Summer Agricultural Day Camp.

With the recent shutdown of programs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face programming has been on pause. However, 4-H is already starting to return to in-person programming, and having Clemons on board will enhance Extension’s ability to provide opportunities to our youth that have been impaired by the pandemic.

Courtney has been involved in leadership development before with her work with the Oaks Leadership Scholars at NC State University. There she worked to mentor small groups of students and advocated for the educational rights of disadvantaged youth in rural communities.

As a graduate teaching assistant, she organized and delivered agricultural curriculums to over 160 undergraduate students. She also led hands-on laboratory experiences for more than 100 undergraduate students as an undergraduate teaching assistant.

N.C. Cooperative Extension in Henderson County is fortunate to have someone with Courtney’s skills and abilities to assume the role of 4-H Program Assistant. We hope you will come by and welcome Courtney to our team. We look forward to the fresh insights and talent that she will bring to our outstanding 4-H program.